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Public Perception of Ethical Standards in Crime News Reporting on the Facebook Social Network and the Use of Legal Measures as Guidelines for Improving News Presentation |
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| รหัสดีโอไอ | |
| Creator | Gaewganya Savagsuriyawong |
| Title | Public Perception of Ethical Standards in Crime News Reporting on the Facebook Social Network and the Use of Legal Measures as Guidelines for Improving News Presentation |
| Publisher | Mahasarakham University |
| Publication Year | 2569 |
| Journal Title | Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Mahasarakham University |
| Journal Vol. | 45 |
| Journal No. | 2 |
| Page no. | 362-379 |
| Keyword | Ethics, News Presentation, Social Networking, Facebook, Public Perception, Legal Measures |
| URL Website | https://so03.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/humsujournal |
| Website title | Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Mahasarakham University |
| ISSN | 2672-9733 (Online) |
| Abstract | This research employed a mixed-method approach combining quantitative and qualitative research. The objectives of the study were: (1) to examine public perceptions of ethics in the presentation of crime news on the Facebook social network; (2) to explore approaches to resolving ethical issues in news presentation using legal measures adopted in foreign countries; and (3) to study legal measures in Thailand for addressing ethical issues in news presentation.rnrnFor the quantitative research, the population consisted of viewers of crime news aged 18–60 years, both male and female, residing in Bangkok who had viewed news on the Facebook social network. A sample of 400 respondents was selected using a random sampling method, and data were collected through an online questionnaire (Google Form). The qualitative research involved documentary research on laws, ethics, and professional codes of conduct for mass media in Thailand, the United Kingdom, and Singapore.rnrnThe findings revealed that public perception of ethical practices in the presentation of crime news on the Facebook social network was overall at a high level. The sample group perceived the ethical presentation of crime news most strongly from the page Ejan, followed by Ejieb Leabduan, while the lowest level was associated with the page Drama–Addict.rnrnRegarding ethical practices in crime news presentation on Facebook, the results indicated that the overall level of ethical awareness was high. The most prominent ethical issue concerned news presentation that may influence or lead public opinion in society.rnrnIn terms of legal frameworks, ethics, and professional codes of conduct for mass media—particularly on social media—the study found that Thailand has drafted legislation to regulate the media in the "Bill on the Protection of Rights and Freedom and the Promotion of Ethics and Professional Standards of the Mass Media." The draft legislation defines the concept of mass media broadly and covers all forms of communication directed to the public. However, the provisions concerning media ethics are limited and appear only in the section on professional ethics under Section 37(6), which states that the presentation of news and information must comply with professional ethical standards, must not contradict social moral principles, must not cause more harm than benefit, and must prioritize the public interest above all else.rnrnThe study suggests that clearer provisions regarding mass media ethics should be incorporated into the draft legislation in order to establish clearer professional guidelines for journalists and media practitioners. The researchers also recommend strengthening legal sanctions, including both civil and criminal penalties, within the professional ethics section of the draft law to ensure accountability and provide a framework for mass communication practices in the future.rnrnRegarding foreign legal measures on media ethics in the United Kingdom and Singapore, the study found that clearer ethical guidelines have been established. These include principles adopted by the National Union of Journalists in the United Kingdom, which clearly specify ethical standards. In particular, Article 8 prohibits harassment or any form of inducement intended to manipulate or distort information and prohibits seeking unfair personal benefit from obtained information. Article 9 prohibits producing content that may lead to hatred or discrimination based on age, gender, race, skin color, belief, legal status, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation. These principles emphasize that mass media should avoid presenting news in a way that may mislead society or promote social misconduct. |